If you’ve ever struggled with work, not felt productive enough, and have had appalling work life balance, you’re in good company. I figured if I kept working harder, longer and did less of the ‘distracting’ things (i.e. anything that wasn’t work), I’d get more done.
I have a huge capacity for work, so the concept of ‘what is enough’ never entered my consciousness. Sometimes it was my bosses driving the full agenda, but often, it was myself. One fine day while working with my coach, I had an epiphany – I realized I was the worst boss I ever had. The way I treated myself in terms of my own productivity and self talk, was down right horrible.
Having worked in OHS for 9 years I know about the conditions that are ripe for causing psychological harm. Without a doubt there are occupational stress risk factors in the workplace that must be considered because there are a range of strategies for humanly getting the most out of people!
But what if you’re self directed and seem to be digging your own grave with your workload? You’re too busy doing work and just nowhere near as productive as you once were? You’re strategy of keep pushing through it isn’t working?
Well if you figured there is something wrong with that approach, you’re right. When you feel like you’re not getting through it all, it’s time to change your approach.
There are a few strategies to help:
What are you KPI’s?
If you know what you’re measured on and actually required to do, you can be more confident in what you put on your list in the first place. Gaining feedback on what you’re actually required to do, versus what you think you need to do will make a difference.
Get Clear on what is “Enough”
When you know your KPIs, you can start to look at what actions and behaviours signify you have done enough? Most of my clients are over achievers, and feel whatever they do is never enough. While not reducing your standards, over achievers need to have a reality check from time to time on what is actually required?
If something is on your to do list – look at how it got there?
Take a look at your to do list and see how much of it is actually aligned to your role and KPI’s. One of things I struggled with was saying no. I readily admit I am a recovering people pleaser and perfectionist. Every day I have to be mindful of not getting taken hostage by what I call “Productivity’s Triple Threat” – People Pleasing, Procrastination and Perfectionism.
I have a habit of saying yes to everything, then procrastinating on it because I realise I should have said no, so I struggle knowing how and when to start, and then being a perfectionist I’m trying to get everything done perfectly.
Talk about driving myself mad! It’s taken time, but I am better at releasing things and knowing what is my best way to serve.
Learn the Art of Discernment
Discernment is, in my opinion one of the most important things that helps you to get clarity. What are you actually saying yes to, and what are you saying no to? When you know what you’re KPI’s are you can legitimately say yes, no or enter into conversations around managing your other to do’s to deal with new priorities..
How to manage your existing (and possibly bulging) to do list
Julie Morgenstern talks about this concept of the four 4’D’s: Delete, Delegate, Diminish and Delay. Applying those to your to do list helps you to process what’s on it. With the new found information on what are your KPI’s you’re in a better position to work through what needs to go.
Things to Cogitate on:
No one is going to stop someone who keeps working, taking on more responsibility. Unfortunately this scenario can play itself out in your ‘real’ work suffering, and lack of recognition for all the extra and value adding ‘work’ you’re doing can end up making you feel unappreciated, disengaged and resentful.
Things to Act on
If you have a great manager you can actually have a conversation with them about what things can be eliminated.
If you don’t have a supportive work environment and you know it is going to be a struggle, just commit to not taking on everything! Do what you can to stop that inflow by being discerning. Get clear on your KPI’s and do what you can